CN105339693A

CN105339693A - Automatic clutch calibration

Info

Publication number: CN105339693A
Application number: CN201380077798.3A
Authority: CN
Inventors: 拉尔斯·卡尔森; 约翰·比耶内顿
Original assignee: Volvo Truck Corp
Current assignee: Volvo Truck Corp
Priority date: 2013-06-27
Filing date: 2013-06-27
Publication date: 2016-02-17
Also published as: EP3014136B1; BR112015032347A2; US10018233B2; JP2016525190A; BR112015032347B1; US20160160943A1; EP3014136A1; WO2014206428A1

Abstract

The disclosure concerns a method for automatic detection of need for clutch calibration. The method comprises registering and storing in a data memory, before or in connection with engine (102) shut down, a value of a clutch operating parameter; registering a corresponding value of the clutch operating parameter in connection with subsequent engine start up; and determining need for clutch calibration if the difference between the stored value of the clutch operating parameter and the corresponding value of the clutch operating parameter exceeds a predetermined threshold value. The disclosure also concerns a computer programme for implementing the method, as well as a clutch system in which the need for calibration is automatically detected according to said method.

Description

Automatic clutch is calibrated

Technical field

The disclosure relates to a kind of method for automatically detecting the need of clutch alignment.The disclosure also relates to the clutch system of a kind of automatic detection the need of clutch alignment.The disclosure is particularly useful in the field of vehicle friction clutch system.

Background technique

In the manual-automatic integral speed changer AMT with single clutch or double clutch, clutch is operated by dynamo-electric clutch actuator, and the gear-change operation in gearbox is performed by one or more electromechanical shift actuator.These electromechanical actuator are controlled by an electronic control unit, and this electronic control unit completely automatically controls shift pattern.In order to ensure smooth-going and shock-free gear shift, importantly this control unit obtains the true(-)running parameter of clutch and speed changer, to use correct timing and performance number to control these electromechanical actuator.Document US2005/0192155A1 such as relates to be made the clutch of new vehicle or engage automatic clutch adaptedly after clutch maintenance, repair or repairing.But, there is following risk all the time: namely, after clutch maintenance, repair or repairing, do not perform the adaptation of clutch, cause reducing driving comfortability due to the gear shift of irregularity.Therefore, a kind of solution eliminating the improvement of above-mentioned shortcoming is needed.

Summary of the invention

Object of the present disclosure is to provide a kind of method for detecting the need of clutch alignment, can avoid the problems referred to above.This object is realized by the feature of claim 1.

The disclosure relates to a kind of method for automatically detecting the need of clutch alignment.The method comprises the steps:

-before motor is shut down or to shut down with motor and record clutch operational parameter value relatively and be stored in data storage;

-record corresponding clutch operational parameter value relatively to engine start subsequently; And

If the difference between-the clutch operational parameter value that stores and corresponding clutch operational parameter value exceedes predetermined threshold, then determine to need clutch alignment.

Whether this design detects clutch characteristics to have occurred obviously to change during shutting down engine start from motor, this by by before shutdown or to shut down the clutch operational parameter value that stores relatively and to compare with the corresponding clutch operational parameter value recorded when engine start subsequently and carry out.One or more plates (such as one or more clutch plate, pressing plate or dunnage) that the reason that obviously changes normally clutch occurs clutch characteristics during shutting down engine start from motor are replaced.Clutch plate weares and teares during starting and gear shift, and must regularly be replaced.This replacement is carried out when vehicle motor is shut down.But, replace with new clutch plate the clutch plate worn and torn and obviously change clutch characteristics.Mainly, clutch actuation position is shifted, and such as the clutch of clutch start and stop transmitting torque respectively starts engagement positio or declutched position, and the position that clutch is fully engaged." completely joint " refers in the particular clutch structure of described power train, the moment of torsion of clutch transmits at utmost.The size at utmost such as depending on the clamping force pushing clutch plate toward each other of moment of torsion transmission.

When clutch characteristics obviously changes (this is the situation that has been replaced of clutch plate normally), need clutch alignment, with the clutch plate thickness making control system adapt to increase, so as to obtain good driving comfortability when gear shift and avoid engine misses or when gear engages without the risk that there is high propulsive torque in Accelerator driven situation.Being very harmful without there is high propulsive torque in Accelerator driven situation, because vehicle may unexpectedly move forward or backward, thus having the risk bumping against people or other objects.If the technician that clutch plate is authorized to has changed, then this technician's General Requirements clutch alignment process subsequently.But always there is following risk, that is: the technician of mandate forgets calibration due to some reasons, or the replacing of clutch is performed by unauthorized personnel, and described personnel do not know required calibration or forget calibration due to some other reasonses.Further, as explained above, after clutch plate is changed, forget that clutch alignment may have serious consequence.An advantage of method disclosed herein provides the automatic detection for the need of clutch alignment, because this reducing the risk of accident and/or the engine misses caused due to incorrect clutch alignment.Can occur at any parking period in principle because clutch plate is changed, institute preferably shuts down with each motor and starts in method and applies relatively.

The disclosure also relates to the corresponding computer program for implementing described method, corresponding computer program and corresponding computer system.The disclosure also relates to the corresponding clutch system comprising friction clutch and electronic control unit, and wherein this control unit is programmed to automatically detect the need of clutch alignment by performing following steps:

Additional advantage is realized by or several of implementing in the feature of dependent claims.

Selected clutch Operational Limits is preferably responsive to the wear condition of clutch more or less, particularly responsive to the wear condition of at least one in clutch plate, pressing plate or dunnage.Selected clutch Operational Limits is more responsive to wearing and tearing, just can more accurately and reliably determine whether to need clutch alignment.

This clutch operational parameter value preferably comes from the clutch actuation position along clutch characteristics curve.This clutch actuation position is the instruction of the clutch abrasion situation of good and relatively easy record.Preferably, clutch Operational Limits directly corresponds to the clutch actuation position along clutch characteristics curve.

The clutch operational parameter value stored in method of the present disclosure can from any one in upper/lower positions: clutch engagement positio, clutch starts engagement positio or declutched position.At clutch engagement positio, the dunnage of clutch and pressing plate are usually pressed against each other via the clutch plate of centre and the torque-transfer capability of clutch is in its maximum value.It is be actuated at the clutch of initial separation and start the physical location of transmitting torque that clutch starts engagement positio.Otherwise declutched position is separated and stop the physical location of transmitting torque at the initial clutch engaged.Clutch starts engagement positio and declutched position and may correspond to Same Physical position in pressing plate, if but there is hysteresis phenomenon, then they are by corresponding to the position be separated from each other.Preferably, in disclosed method, use clutch engagement positio because clutch engagement positio can be found quickly and easily.Also clutch can be found to start engagement positio or declutched position, but such as need the pressure transducer for detecting clutch plate clamping pressure that is connected with clutch plate.Under clutch separation state, clutch plate clamping pressure is zero.If start under separated state and make pressing plate move to dunnage, then detect that the clamping pressure of clutch plate arrives clutch when being greater than zero and starts engagement positio at pressure transducer.In order to find described disengaging configuration, it is suitable that starting under the large clutch of clutch clamping pressure jointing state and pressing plate is removed from dunnage.When pressure transducer detects that clutch plate clamping pressure has reached zero, just have found declutched position.

The mode finding clutch to start the another kind of engagement positio or declutched position possible is use angle sensor, and the rotational speed of this angle transducer to the input shaft (i.e. the axle in the main clutch downstream of power train) of transmission for vehicles is very sensitive.Clutch is found to start engagement positio by following process: to start when clutch is in its separated state and input shaft static (i.e. non rotating) and bent axle (i.e. the axle of main clutch upstream) rotate; Pressing plate is moved to dunnage; When clutch starts transmitting torque, moment of torsion will be delivered to input shaft from bent axle, and this input shaft rotates starting; Therefore, detect that the moment that input shaft starts to rotate just determines that clutch has arrived it and started engagement positio at turn-sensitive device.In order to find declutched position, need the other turn-sensitive device of the rotational speed sensitivity to bent axle.At first, clutch should be in its jointing state and bent axle and input shaft should rotate with the sharing rate being not equal to zero, namely two turn-sensitive devices should read identical value.Pressing plate is removed from dunnage.When clutch stops transmitting torque, input shaft will reduce speed now and the rotational speed of input shaft is different from the speed of bent axle by starting.Therefore, start to detect that the moment that bent axle and input shaft have different rotation rates respectively just can determine that clutch has arrived its disengaging configuration at turn-sensitive device.During finding clutch to start the said process of engagement positio and disengaging configuration by use turn-sensitive device, input shaft must disconnect from the output shaft of gearbox, keeps static to make vehicle.Alternatively, the clutch actuation position stored may correspond in certain activating pressure and/or certain moment of torsion delivery value.This activating pressure corresponds to aforesaid clutch plate clamping pressure and the available pressure transducer being connected to clutch plate records.The torque sensor (such as resistance strain gauge) be arranged on the input shaft of speed changer can be used to measure described moment of torsion delivery value.The amount of deformation of input shaft measured by resistance strain gauge, from this amount of deformation, draw moment of torsion.

The method can also comprise: if determined to need clutch alignment, then perform automatic clutch calibration.Not only detect the need of calibration, but also complete required calibration.Therefore, the relevant risk of previously described and unregulated clutch and inconvenience can be eliminated.

In addition, described method also can comprise: before permission uses described clutch transfer drive torque, perform automatic clutch calibration.Its advantage automatically eliminates to use unregulated clutch to carry out driving caused above-mentioned risk and inconvenience.

Described method can comprise: by upgrading at least one clutch control parameter stored by the value corresponding with the determination difference between stored clutch operational parameter value and corresponding clutch operational parameter value, thus performs automatic clutch calibration.This equates and make clutch control parameter adapt to new clutch characteristics.Such as, the clutch control parameter stored can be with any one in upper/lower positions: the clutch engagement positio that the clutch stored starts engagement positio, the declutched position stored or stores.Preferably, all these clutch control parameters are all updated during clutch alignment.

Alternatively, the method can comprise: perform automatic clutch calibration by upgrading and replacing stored whole clutch characteristics curve.This clutch characteristics curve comprises all possible clutch actuation position of clutch.Therefore, this provide than the multiple clutch control parameters separated of renewal more thoroughly clutch alignment.

As substituting of automatic clutch calibration, the method can comprise: if determined to need clutch alignment, then sending to the driver of vehicle needs the signal of clutch alignment and/or send and the information needing clutch alignment relevant to remote personnel.Such as, if automatic clutch calibration is infeasible for vehicle, then this can be good substituting.The remote personnel of driver or such as fleet management side or vehicle manufacturers learns that clutch needs the fact of calibration, and necessary action can be taked to distinguish really perform clutch alignment.

If determined to need clutch alignment, then signal sends and/or sends and the information needing clutch alignment relevant alternatively or described in preferred combination, clutch controller can be set in security operating mode, in this mode, ignores the output signal from position transducer.Therefore, vehicle can use when performance reduces, although there are the needs of clutch alignment, there is not accident and uncomfortable instant risk.

Clutch actuation position can by position transducer record, and this position transducer is arranged to the position that the position of the pressing plate recorded can be axially displaced or record are arranged to the component of the axially displaced clutch actuating mechanism producing pressing plate.This completes by several means.This position transducer can be included in clutch actuating mechanism, or detects the independent component operation of press plate position directly or indirectly as the position passing through the component (such as, acting on the piston rod on pressing plate) sensing clutch actuating mechanism.

The method can comprise: if the difference between the clutch operational parameter value stored and corresponding clutch operational parameter value is in prespecified range, then perform separation-junction sequence that at least one is other, and record new corresponding clutch operational parameter value subsequently.If clutch has removed and do not changed any plate by again putting back to, then the position transducer of clutch may be read into the position engaged further than due situation.This can cause the difference between stored clutch actuation position and corresponding clutch actuation position to be in prespecified range.This prespecified range such as can be 0.3 millimeter to 2 millimeters, is preferably 0.3 millimeter to 1.5 millimeters, is more preferably 0.3 millimeter to 1 millimeter.If the difference of the clutch actuation position detected is in prespecified range, this shows not change any plate, but only existing plate and/or position transducer are offed normal slightly.In order to the reading of correction position sensor, make clutch separation/joint for several times, be in its tram to make clutch component and sensor.Afterwards, corresponding clutch actuation position is again recorded.Therefore, the advantage of extra separation-junction sequence is the deviation that have modified clutch position reading, and this deviation is owing to remove and the behavior of reinstalling clutch causes.All absolute values are all relevant to the position of pressing plate.

Described method also can be included in each generation and record clutch operational parameter value when clutch engages and/or is separated.In this way, no matter when and how there is motor and shut down, always store quite recent clutch operational parameter value when motor is shut down, and need not shut down with motor the other measurement performed relatively clutch operational parameter value.Replacement scheme be have specific process with shut down at motor just occur before or record motor is shut down while and store clutch operational parameter value.

Described method also comprises: the mean value that the clutch operational parameter value based on use one group of state-of-the-art record calculates carrys out the clutch operational parameter value that regular update stores.Mean value is used to decrease the impact of measurement error in stored clutch operational parameter value and white noise.

For determining whether that the described predetermined threshold needing clutch alignment can be greater than 1 millimeter, being preferably greater than 2 millimeters, more preferably greater than 3 millimeters, and being preferably greater than 4 millimeters further.Higher threshold value adds the replacing and the risk needing clutch alignment that can not find executed clutch plate.Lower threshold value adds the frequency of calibration, changes although do not perform clutch.All absolute values are all relevant to the position of clutch actuator.

Accompanying drawing explanation

In the detailed description of the present disclosure hereafter provided, with reference to accompanying drawing, in the drawings:

Fig. 1 shows the schematic outline of the power train of vehicle,

Fig. 2 shows the schematic layout of clutch and clutch actuating mechanism,

Fig. 3 shows the clutch typical clutch characteristics curve separately of new clutch and wearing and tearing,

Fig. 4 shows the flow chart for automatically detecting the method the need of clutch alignment disclosed herein,

Fig. 5 shows the flow chart for automatically detecting the method the need of clutch alignment disclosed herein, and it has the additional step performing automatic clutch calibration,

Fig. 6 shows the flow chart for automatically detecting the method the need of clutch alignment disclosed herein, and it has the additional step of driver and/or remote personnel, and

Fig. 7 shows the schematic layout of computer system.

Embodiment

, will describe All aspects of of the present disclosure by reference to the accompanying drawings below, to illustrate (but and unrestricted) disclosure, wherein, identical reference character represents identical element.The modified example of described All aspects of is not limited to the embodiment specifically illustrated, but is applicable to other modified examples of the present disclosure.

Fig. 1 shows the schematic outline of an example of the power train in vehicle.Clutch 101 between motor 102 and gearbox 103, the bent axle 104 of motor 102 to be connected to the rotatable input shaft 105 of transmission for vehicles.Gearbox is connected with the driving wheel 112 of vehicle by output shaft 111.When clutch 101 be in engagement positio time, it is transmitting torque between bent axle 104 and input shaft 105, and when clutch 101 be in disengaging configuration time, bent axle 104 and input shaft 105 separated from one another and at they not transmitting torques therebetween.The position of clutch 101 is set by clutch actuating mechanism 106.Clutch actuating mechanism 106 is controlled by electronic control unit 107.Control unit of engine 108 controls motor 102.These two control units 107,108 such as intercom via controller local area network (CAN) bus 109 phase.In addition, electronic control unit 107 is connected to clutch actuator mechanism 106 and gearbox 103, and control unit of engine 108 is connected to motor 102 via signal cable 110.Alternatively, motor 102, clutch 101 and gearbox 103 also can be controlled by single control unit.

Fig. 2 shows an example of the schematic layout of clutch 101 and clutch actuating mechanism 106.Friction clutch 101 is between the motor 102 and gearbox 103 of vehicle.This friction clutch comprises: dunnage 204, and this dunnage 204 is fixedly secured to the rotatable bent axle 104 of motor 102; Pressing plate 206, this pressing plate 206 is rotated to be fixed on the rotatable transmission input shaft 105 that is connected with gearbox 103, but can move axially on transmission input shaft 105.Clutch plate 230 is between dunnage 204 and pressing plate 206, and the object of clutch plate 230 is the frictions increased when clutch 101 engages between dunnage 204 and pressing plate 206.Clutch plate 230 can slide axially and such as be rotatably fixed to transmission input shaft 105 via spline.Clutch plate 230 can have friction disk or friction lining on each side using as wear surface.Here, this clutch is engaged passively by the pressure from least one spring 208.This clutch is such as by multiple angularly isolated helical spring, be engaged by the spring of diaphragm spring or other types.Pressing plate 206 is pressed to dunnage 204 by least one spring 208.Unless applied power in the opposite direction, otherwise this at least one spring 208 will make pressing plate 206 be resisted against in dunnage 204 via clutch plate 230, thus by plate 204,206,230 surface between surface friction carry out transmitting torque.

Clutch 101 is actuated by clutch actuating mechanism 106, and this clutch actuating mechanism 106 is connected to electronic control unit 107 via signal cable 110.When this clutch is answered separated, electronic control unit 107 sends signal to position control valve 212.Once receive this signal, the spool of position control valve 212 is just switched to working position from normal position.In this normal position, the air in the active chamber 217 of clutch actuator is allowed to overflow and this system of overflowing subsequently via control pipeline 218, position control valve 212.In working position, the pressurized air from source of compressed air 219 is supplied to the piston side of clutch actuator, is supplied to by pressurized air thus in the single action cylinder as clutch actuator 213.Pressurized air pushes this piston rod 214, thus forces piston rod 214 to move on right direction R as illustrated in fig. 2.Connector element 215 is delivered to pressing plate 206 by from moving right of piston rod 214, and this pressing plate 206 moves away dunnage 204 subsequently.As a result, this clutch becomes part and is separated or is separated completely, and the degree of separation depends on how far pressing plate 206 moves away from dunnage 204.

Correspondingly, when this clutch should be engaged, clutch control unit 107 command direction control valve 212 discharges pressurized air from clutch actuator 213.Reduce along with from compressed-air actuated pressure, the spring 208 that piston rod 214 is actuated device contained spring 220 and/or clutch pushes back in clutch actuator, and therefore piston rod 214 moves on left direction L.

Alternatively, the position control valve that pressurized air can be supplied to as in the two ends of the two dynamic cylinder of clutch actuator 213 can also be used.Above-mentioned contained spring 220 is unnecessary in the case, because: allow the air in active chamber 217 to overflow via control pipeline 218 by the right-hand member that pressurized air is supplied to clutch actuator 213, piston rod 214 is promoted by left direction L simultaneously.For promoting piston rod 214 on right direction R, pressurized air being fed to active chamber 217 and allowing air to overflow via other control pipeline (not shown) from the right-hand member of clutch actuator cylinder simultaneously.

Monitor the position of pressing plate 206 along the axis of transmission shaft 105 by position transducer 216, this position transducer 216 detects the position of the piston rod 214 of clutch actuator 213 and this information is supplied to electronic control unit 107.The position of piston rod 214 is directly related to the position of pressing plate 206, because they are interconnected by rigid connection member 215.Position transducer 216 preferably (but non-essential) is linear position sensor.Alternatively, this position transducer also directly can monitor the position of pressing plate 206, or monitors the position of described connector element 215.

Method of the present disclosure relates to detection automatically the need of clutch alignment, that is, to the calibration of the control algorithm of electronic control unit 107.When clutch plate 230, dunnage 204 or pressing plate 206 are replaced, always need to calibrate, because the characteristic of new plate is obviously different from the characteristic of the plate worn and torn.In the following detailed description, use clutch actuation position as the wearing and tearing of instruction clutch Operational Limits.Friction surface (especially the friction surface of clutch plate 230) due to clutch plate 230, dunnage 204 and pressing plate 206 is gradually worn down during use and the thickness of plate 230,204,206 reduces, and clutch actuation position is displaced.Clutch actuation position is pressing plate 206 physical location in the axial direction, at this physical location, obtains certain torque-transfer capability.In order to detect the need of calibration, position transducer 216 is shut down front at motor 102 or is shut down the clutch actuation position of measuring pressure plate 206 relatively with motor.This clutch actuation position is recorded and is stored in the data storage in electronic control unit 107.In another example of the present disclosure, except being arranged in electronic control unit 107, this data storage can be positioned at other positions, but preferably, it should be positioned on described vehicle.Start relatively with motor 102 subsequently, corresponding clutch actuation position measured by position transducer 216.Here, actual measurement can perform before or after engine start, such as, performed before engine start after clutch controller starts.Corresponding clutch actuation position is pressing plate 206, provide the measurement before shutting down with motor 102 substantially in the physical location of identical torque-transfer capability.But for this corresponding clutch actuation position, the physical location of pressing plate may not be identical with the clutch actuation position of the pre-test in motor 102 shutdown.If clutch plate 230, dunnage 204 or pressing plate are replaced, then described physical location is usually different from each other.Advantageously, clutch actuation position is by clutch engagement positio p ₁₃, p ₂₃formed, in the clutch of passive joint, can quickly and easily find this clutch engagement positio---command direction control valve 212 discharges all pressurized air from clutch actuator 213, and promotion pressing plate 206 is entered clutch in engagement positio by spring 208, at this clutch engagement positio, pressing plate 206 is pressed against in dunnage 204 via clutch plate 230.

Then the corresponding clutch actuation position measured when engine start and the clutch actuation position be stored in its data storage compare by electronic control unit 107.If their difference exceedes predetermined threshold, then electronic control unit 107 is determined to need clutch alignment.In the further differentiation of method disclosed herein, when detect need calibration time, the control algorithm of electronic control unit 107 is automatically calibrated.Upgrade one or more clutch control parameter by the value corresponding with described difference, or upgrade whole clutch characteristics curve (see Fig. 3).As performing substituting of automatic calibration, electronic control unit 107 can send to driver or remote personnel the signal needing calibration.If remote personnel is in far position, then such as can send information via remote information technology.

Fig. 3 shows the plotted curve of exemplary clutch characteristics curve, that is, moment of torsion delivery value T is as the function of the position p of the pressing plate 206 of clutch.When T=0, clutch 101 is separated and not transmitting torque.As visible in this plotted curve, at p=0 place, be passed without torque T, namely clutch 101 is separated and its pressing plate 206 is in the pre-position certainly do not contacted with dunnage 204.The distance d place increased, pressing plate 206 moves from disengaging configuration towards dunnage 204.Block curve 310 representative has the clutch 101 of new plate 204,206,230, and dashed curve 320 represents the clutch 101 worn and torn.As can be seen, the shape of curve 310,320 is roughly the same, but relative to each other offset by along p axis.This is because following true: in the clutch worn and torn, the friction surface of dunnage 204 and pressing plate 206, the especially friction surface of clutch plate 230 are worn, therefore, pressing plate 206 must start engagement positio p at arrival clutch ₂₃one section of other distance is moved before (that is, dunnage 204 and pressing plate 206 contact via clutch plate 230 and start the position of transmitting torque) towards dunnage 204.The clutch of new clutch starts engagement positio p ₁₃corresponding to the less movement of its pressing plate 206.At clutch engagement positio p ₁₁, p ₂₁, pressing plate 206 is pressed against on clutch plate 230 firmly, and clutch plate 230 is pressed against in dunnage 204 again firmly, makes clutch 101 reach its maximum torque transfer ability T _e.In the method for automatically detecting the need of calibration disclosed herein, this clutch starts engagement positio p ₁₃, p ₂₃with clutch engagement positio p ₁₁, p ₂₁and with predetermined moment of torsion delivery value T _icorresponding neutral position p ₁₂, p ₂₂can be used as clutch actuation position.Such neutral position p ₁₂, p ₂₂by using the torque sensor such as sensing input shaft 105 moment of torsion to find, or by using the pressure transducer of sensing clutch clamping pressure indirectly to find.Present hypothesis vehicle has the clutch of wearing and tearing, and it is with the characteristic represented by dashed curve 320.Before motor 102 is shut down, record and be stored as clutch engagement positio p ₂₁clutch actuation position.When motor 102 is shut down, the clutch plate 230 worn and torn, dunnage 204 and pressing plate 206 may be also had to be replaced by brand-new plate.For new plate, the characteristic changing of clutch 101, its characteristic is represented by block curve 310 now.But Clutch Control algorithm is not yet re-calibrated.When engine start, gaging clutch engagement positio p again ₁₁, but another measurement result can be obtained, because clutch characteristics changes measuring from last time.If measured two clutch engagement positio p ₂₁, p ₁₁between difference exceed predetermined threshold, then determine to need clutch alignment.This clutch alignment can carry out automatically, maybe can comprise and make stored clutch actuation position p ₂₁, p ₂₂, p ₂₃in at least one with step of calculated difference displacement, make the corresponding p of position and new clutch after upgrading ₂₁, p ₂₂, p ₂₃overlap.A kind of replacing method is that stored whole clutch characteristics curve 320 is shifted with described difference, and the clutch characteristics curve after upgrading is overlapped with the solid line clutch characteristics curve 310 of new clutch.Most suitable calibration depends on how to realize Clutch Control in practice.

Fig. 4 to Fig. 6 shows according to the different editions for automatically detecting the flow chart the need of clutch alignment of the present disclosure.These disclosed different versions are all with the clutch Operational Limits of clutch actuation position exemplarily property, but the disclosure is not limited to using clutch actuation position as clutch operational parameter value, but also can use other parameters.Fig. 4 shows the exemplary process diagram for automatically detecting the method the need of clutch alignment disclosed herein.First step 301 be included in motor shut down before or shut down with motor and record clutch actuation position relatively and be stored in data storage.Such as, specific process can be there is for recording while motor shutdown and storing clutch actuation position, or record and store clutch actuation position when can engage at each generation clutch when motor is shut down.Further alternatively, can record during engine start and store clutch actuation position, because the wear levels between engine start is in succession general very little.The clutch that the clutch actuation position be stored in data storage comes from state-of-the-art record starts engagement positio or clutch engagement positio.Several reading subsequently that also can record clutch actuation position also makes stored clutch actuation position based on the mean value of the reading of one group of state-of-the-art record.About how identifying that clutch starts the details of engagement positio or declutched position, such as, can find in the 18 to 22 of WO2012/083976 page.After first step 301, vehicle motor is closed one indefinite period, it can be only in a flash, and can be maybe the longer time period, such as a couple of days or several weeks be even longer.At this moment in section, the plate in clutch can be replaced or can not be replaced.In second step 302, motor is reset and records corresponding clutch actuation position.Third step 303 comprises the difference between clutch actuation position and the corresponding clutch actuation position recorded in step 302 such as calculating in units of millimeter and store in first step 301.4th step 304 comprises: determine whether the difference calculated in third step 303 exceedes predetermined threshold.This predetermined threshold is usually in the scope of several millimeters.Exceed this threshold value and then show that clutch characteristics there occurs obvious change (situation that this plate normally clutch has been replaced) when last time travels, therefore need clutch alignment.If this problem " difference would exceed predetermined threshold? " answer be "Yes", then the 5th step 305a determines to need clutch alignment.If answer is "No", then next step is the 5th alternative step 305b, and it determines not need clutch alignment.

Fig. 5 shows the flow chart of Fig. 4, but with performing the 6th extra step 306 of automatic clutch calibration after determining to need the 5th step 305a of clutch alignment.

Fig. 6 shows the flow chart of Fig. 4, but with the 6th extra step 307 of driver and/or remote personnel after determining to need the 5th step 305a of clutch alignment.The information " needing clutch alignment " such as can convey to driver via the warning word on signaling lamp or instrument panel or the sound signal in cockpit.For remote personnel, this information can such as via remote information technology transfer.The method also can comprise substituting or being combined the 7th step 308 performed with the 6th step 307 as the 6th step 307.7th step 308 comprises: if determined to need clutch alignment, then carry out solenoidoperated cluthes according to security operating mode and run.This means to perform the control of clutch junction sequence and separation sequence and do not consider the output signal of position transducer 216.This realizes by using the signal of at least one angular-rate sensor of the axle of gearbox to export.Such as, once control this clutch actuator 213 so that clutch is set in disengaged condition, because motor is separated, the angular velocity of gear-box axle may start to reduce.Therefore, once the angular velocity of reduction be detected, this just can be used as the instruction that clutch is in disengaged condition.Similarly, also junction sequence can be performed, that is, by having come without the opened loop control of any feedback to carry out when the input not from position transducer 216.Such clutch junction sequence general execution must be considerably slower than feedback clutch junction sequence, but still the crew comfort had to a certain degree and accident free risk substantially.

The disclosure also relate to for performing the computer program, computer program and the storage medium that use together with the computer of described method.Fig. 7 shows the schematic layout of the computer system 700 for realizing method of the present disclosure, and this computer system 700 comprises nonvolatile memory 720, processor 710 and read write memory 760.Storage 720 has first memory part 730, stores the computer program for controlling system 700 in described first memory part 730.In memory portion 730 can be operation system for the computer program controlled system 700.

System 700 such as can comprise the control unit of such as data processing unit 710.Data processing unit 710 such as can comprise microcomputer.Storage 720 also has second memory part 740, stores according to the program for measuring moment of torsion of the present invention in described second memory part 740.In an alternative embodiment, this program for measuring moment of torsion is stored in the independent non-volatile memory medium 750 for data, such as, be stored in CD or removable semiconductor memory.This program can store or stores with compressive state in the form of an executable program.When hereinafter mentioning data processing unit 710 and running specific function, should understand that data processing unit 710 is running the specific part of the program stored in this storage 740 or the specific part of the interior program stored of non-volatile memory medium 750.

It is for being communicated with memory 750 by data/address bus 714 that data processing unit 710 is adapted (tailored).Data processing unit 710 is also adapted for and is communicated with storage 720 by data/address bus 712.In addition, data processing unit 710 is adapted for and is communicated with storage 760 by data/address bus 711.Data processing unit 710 is also adapted for and is communicated with FPDP 790 by usage data bus 715.Can be performed by data processing unit 710 according to method of the present invention, be performed by the data processing unit 710 running program or the interior program stored of non-volatile memory medium 750 stored in this storage 740.

The reference character mentioned in the claims should not be considered as the restriction to the claimed subject area of claim.Unique function of these reference characters is that claim is easier to understand.

As recognized, the disclosure can obvious to each when not departing from the scope of claims in modify.Such as, although clutch actuation position is disclosed as the wearing and tearing of instruction clutch Operational Limits continually, the disclosure also comprises and uses other clutch Operational Limits to determine whether to need clutch alignment.Therefore, accompanying drawing and accompanying drawing illustrate that should be considered is exemplary and nonrestrictive in essence.

Claims

1., for automatically detecting the method the need of clutch alignment, described method comprises:

Shut down before motor (102) is shut down or with motor and record clutch operational parameter value relatively and be stored in data storage;

Corresponding clutch operational parameter value is recorded relatively to engine start subsequently; And

If the difference between the clutch operational parameter value stored and corresponding clutch operational parameter value exceedes predetermined threshold, then determine to need clutch alignment.

2. method according to claim 1, wherein, described clutch Operational Limits is responsive to the wear condition of described clutch, particularly responsive to the wear condition of at least one in clutch plate, pressing plate or dunnage.

3. the method according to any one in aforementioned claim, wherein, described clutch operational parameter value comes from the clutch actuation position (p along described clutch characteristics curve (310,320) ₁₁, p ₁₂, p ₁₃, p ₂₁, p ₂₂, p ₂₃).

4. the method according to any one in aforementioned claim, wherein, described clutch Operational Limits is the described clutch actuation position (p along described clutch characteristics curve (310,320) ₁₁, p ₁₂, p ₁₃, p ₂₁, p ₂₂, p ₂₃).

5. the method according to any one in aforementioned claim, wherein, the clutch operational parameter value stored is from any one in upper/lower positions: clutch is engagement positio (p ₂₃), clutch starts engagement positio (p ₂₁) or declutched position.

6. the method according to any one in aforementioned Claims 1-4, wherein, the clutch operational parameter value stored comes from certain activating pressure and/or certain moment of torsion delivery value (T).

7. the method according to any one in aforementioned claim, comprising: if determined to need clutch alignment, then perform automatic clutch calibration.

8. method according to claim 7, comprising: before permission uses described clutch (101) transfer drive torque, perform the calibration of described automatic clutch.

9. according to claim 7 or method according to claim 8, comprise: by upgrading at least one clutch control parameter stored by the value corresponding with the determination difference between stored clutch operational parameter value and corresponding clutch operational parameter value, thus perform the calibration of described automatic clutch.

10. method according to claim 9, wherein, the clutch control parameter stored is with any one in upper/lower positions: the clutch stored starts engagement positio (p ₂₁), the declutched position that stores or the clutch engagement positio (p stored ₂₃).

11., according to claim 9 or method according to claim 10, comprising: perform the calibration of described automatic clutch by upgrading and replacing stored whole clutch characteristics curve (320).

12. methods according to any one in claim 1 to 6, comprise: if determined to need clutch alignment, then sending to the driver of described vehicle needs the signal of clutch alignment and/or sends and the information needing clutch alignment relevant to remote personnel.

13. methods according to any one in aforementioned claim 3 to 12, wherein, described clutch actuation position is by position transducer (216) record, described position transducer (216) is arranged to the position of the pressing plate (206) recorded can be axially displaced, or record is arranged to the position of the component (214) of the axially displaced clutch actuating mechanism (106) producing described pressing plate (206).

14. methods according to any one in claim 1 to 6 and 13, comprising: if determined to need clutch alignment, then solenoidoperated cluthes operation and do not consider the output signal of position transducer (216).

15. methods according to any one in aforementioned claim 7 to 12 and 13, comprising: perform before clutch is actuated using the output signal of described position transducer (216) and perform the calibration of described automatic clutch.

16. methods according to any one in aforementioned claim, comprise: if the difference between the clutch operational parameter value stored and corresponding clutch operational parameter value is in prespecified range, then perform separation-junction sequence that at least one is other, and record new corresponding clutch operational parameter value subsequently.

17. methods according to any one in claim 16 and claim 3 or 4, wherein, described prespecified range is 0.3 millimeter to 2 millimeters, is preferably 0.3 millimeter to 1.5 millimeters, is more preferably 0.3 millimeter to 1 millimeter.

18. methods according to any one in aforementioned claim, comprising: record each generation and store described clutch operational parameter value when clutch engages and/or is separated.

19. methods according to any one in aforementioned claim, comprising: the mean value that the clutch operational parameter value based on use one group of state-of-the-art record calculates carrys out the clutch operational parameter value that regular update stores.

20. methods according to any one in aforementioned claim, wherein, described predetermined threshold is greater than 1 millimeter, is preferably greater than 2 millimeters, more preferably greater than 3 millimeters, and is preferably greater than 4 millimeters further.

21. 1 kinds of clutch systems comprising friction clutch (101) and electronic control unit (107), it is characterized in that, described control unit (107) is programmed to automatically detect the need of clutch alignment by performing following steps:

22. 1 kinds of computer programs, described computer program comprises program-code, and when said program is run on, described program-code for the institute in any one in enforcement of rights requirement 1 to 20 in steps.

23. 1 kinds of computer programs, described computer program comprises storage program-code on a computer-readable medium, when described program product runs on computers, described program-code for the institute in any one in enforcement of rights requirement 1 to 20 in steps.

24. 1 kinds of computer systems (700), described computer system (700) performs the method being used for automatically detecting the need of clutch alignment, and described method comprises: